Clint Frazier (concussion) unlikely to return this season

Clint Frazier's 2018 season is likely over after a recurrence of post-concussion symptoms. (AP)

Clint Frazier likely will not play again this year as he deals with post-concussive symptoms from running into an outfield wall in spring training, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday.

Frazier, 24, visited a neurologist near Pittsburgh this week before heading to the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Fla., where he will continue his workouts and receive treatment to try to reduce and eliminate his post-concussive symptoms.

The former Cleveland Indians 1st-round pick returned briefly this season but experienced a setback after colliding with Baltimore Orioles 3rd baseman Jace Peterson in July. Frazier hit .265 (9-for-34) with 1 RBI in 15 games this season. As a rookie in 2017, he hit .231 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 39 games.

"It's been a year of trying to get our hands around what's going on with him and trying to get him moving in the right direction with momentum," Boone told reporters. "Hopefully, this [the instruction from the Pittsburgh neurologist] is a step in that direction.

"We know there's a lot of talent that he possesses ... and we still believe he'll be a very important part of our franchise going forward."

The Yankees are more optimistic about the possible return of Aaron Judge, who started swinging a bat this week as he recovers from a chip fracture in his right wrist. Judge hit off a tee Wednesday and participated in soft toss, according to Boone.

"Another positive step forward," Boone told reporters. "He responded well (from Monday and Tuesday), felt good, was able to pop the ball. We'll continue that through the weekend with the soft toss, and he may get in the cage at some point, but he's feeling better."